Signature handling mechanism



y 1967 v. A. ZUGEL ET AL 3,317,026

I SIGNATURE HANDLING MECHANISM I Filed Sept. 29, 1964 I 4 Sheets-Sheet 1FIG. 2

INVENTORS VICTOR A. ZUGEL BYJOI-[N J. MARC/NIAK V. A. ZUGEL ET ALSIGNATURE HANDLING MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 KM S. mam n N W UC m WZR f1.A T %WA d N. H VMWWW May 2, 1967 Filed Sept. 29, 1964 May 2, 1967 v.A. ZUGEL. ET AL 3,317,026

S IGNATURE HANDLING MECHANI SM Filed Sept. 29, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 5FIGS INVENTORS VICTOR A.ZUGEL BYJQHN J. MARC/N/AK WM,

for sensing the thickness of books conveyed thereby United States PatentC) 3,317,026 SIGNATURE HANDLING MECHANISM Victor A. Zugel, Par-ma, andJohn J. Marciniak, Cleveland, Ohio, assignors to Harris-IntertypeCorporation, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Delaware Filed Sept. 29,1964, Ser. No. 490,115 13 Claims. (Cl. 198-133) The present inventionrelates to a signature handling mechanism, and particularly to asignature handling mechanism operable to assemble a plurality ofsignatures into a book and then inspect the book to determine if it isof the proper thickness.

Known signature handling mechanisms include a collator section in whicha plurality of signatures are assembled to form a book, an inspectionstation at which a detector wheel senses the thickness of the book, anda stitcher station at which the book is stitched or stapled to securethe signatures together. Thec-ollator section generally includes aplurality of signature feeder means for feeding individual signatures toa signature conveyor. The signature conveyor has a plurality of pushermembers thereon spaced a predetermined distance apart and which engagethe signatures to move them upon movement of the signature conveyor. Thesignature conveyor conveys the assembled signatures or book through theinspection station and to a position adjacent to the stitcher station atwhich a reciprocating shuttle mechanism engages the book and moves thebook to a position at the stitcher station. The known signature handlingmechanisms also include an eject station where books of improperthickness are ejected and a trimmer station where the books of properthickness are trimmed. The shuttle mechanism is operable to move a bookfrom the stitcher station to a position from which the signature mayeither be fed to the trimmer station or ejected from the machine. Theseknown signature handling mechanisms have not been capable of readyadjustment and setup for the handling of different size signatures. Theyhave required replacement of certain parts, such as the detector wheel,and the use of change gears to achieve the desired driving relationshipbetween the various parts of the machine when being set up for thehandling of diiferent size signatures.

Accordingly, the principal object of the present invention is theprovision of a new and improved signature handling mechanism which maybe readily adjusted for handling dilferent size signatures without thenecessity of replacing parts or the use of change gears.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a new andimproved signature handling mechanism Which may be readily adjusted forhandling different size signatures and which may be operated atdiiferent speeds in order to provide for a high signature output andgood control of the signatures as they are moved through the machine.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a new andimproved signature handling mechanism having a detector wheel located atan inspection station and which need not be changed for the sensing ofbooks of different lengths.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a newand improved signature hand-ling mechanism, as noted in the nextpreceding paragraph, and having a control means selectively responsiveto the sensing by the detector wheel of books of different lengths beingof improper thickness.

Yet another object of the present invention is the prosion of a new andimproved signature handling mechanism wherein the signature pushers onthe signature conveyor are adapted to be supported at a firstpredetermined distance apart for conveying signatures of a first size orat F ce a second predetermined distance apart which is a whole multipleother than one of the first predetermined distance for conveyingsignatures of a second size and wherein the detector wheel has acircumference equal to the second predetermined distance and is drivenat the same surface speed of the conveyor and is effective for sensingthe thickness of signatures of both said first and second sizes.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a new andimproved signature handling mechanism, as noted in the next precedingparagraph, having a control circuit for controlling a machine functionon a book of improper thickness and which includes detector actuatedswitch means, a first control switch actuated on each rotation of thedetector wheel, and a second control switch actuated once for rotationof the detector wheel a number of times equal to the multiple, and aselector switch for selectively connecting the first and second controlswitches with the detector actuated switch.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of anew and improved signature handling mechanism having a conveyor meansfor delivering books to a shuttle pick-up station where a reciprocatingshuttle mechanism engages a book and which is operable to move the bookto a shuttle delivery station and where the stroke of the shuttlemechanism may vary between first and second stroke lengths and thedistance between the pick-up and delivery stations is nonvariable and isa whole multiple of the first and second stroke lengths of said shuttlemechanism.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentto those skilled in the art to which it relates from the followingdetailed description of the preferred embodiment thereof made withreference to the accompanying drawings and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a signature handling mechanismembodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the signature handlingmechanism of FIG. 1, looking at the signature handling mechanism of FIG.1 as indicated by the line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of still another portion of thesignature handling mechanism shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a portion of the drive mechanismof the signature handling mechanism of mechanism of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 and illustrating the location of thebooks of a length smaller than that shown in FIG. 5 in thesignature-handling mechanism of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic electrical diagram of a portion of the electricalcircuit embodied in the signature handling mechanism of FIG. 1.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1which illustrates a signature handling mechanism 10. The signaturehandling mechanism 10 is operable to collect or assemble a plurality ofsignatures into a book and secure the signatures together as bystapling. The signatures are assembled in a collator portion 11 of thesignature handling mechanism 10 which includes a plurality of signaturefeeding stations 13 at each of which a hopper 14 supports a plurality ofsignatures. Each hopper 14 is adjustable so as to support signatures ofdifferent lengths. A suitable feeding means 15 feeds signaturesindividually from a hopper 14 to a position adjacent a signatureconveyor 16 which runs through each of the feeding stations 13. Thefeeding means 15 may be of any suitable construction and is here shown,by way of example, as including a suitable drum member 17 operable todeliver individual signatures from a hopper 14 to endless chain members18 which feed the signatures from the drum 17 toward the signatureconveyor 16. Suitable signature opening means 20 is provided at each ofthe stations 13 in order to effect opening of the signatures anddropping of the signatures on swordlike saddle members 22 adjacent thesignature conveyor 16.

The feeding means 15 are driven from a main drive shaft 25 which carriesa sprocket 26 located adjacent to the feeding means 15. The sprocket 26has a chain 27 trained therearound and the chain 27 is also trainedaround a sprocket 28 carried by a shaft 29 which extends parallel to theconveyor 16. The shaft 29 carries the drive sprockets 30 for the chainmembers 18 of the feeding means 15. The shaft 29 is suitably geared, notshown, to the drive for the drums 17 and opening means 20. The drive forthe feeding means 15 is such that for one revolution of the main driveshaft 25, the feeding means delivers one signature into position on thesaddle members 22.

The signature conveyor 16 which receives the signatures delivered by thefeeding means 15 comprises an endless chain member having crown members34 positioned thereon and on which the signatures rest. The chain memberalso releasably carries a plurality of pusher members 35 which arespaced a predetermined distance apart along the length of the endlesschain member. The pusher members 35 may be readily removed or added tothe conveyor 16 to vary the spacing therebetween. The spacing betweenthe pusher members is varied when the signature handling mechanism isset up for the handling of signatures of different sizes. The pushermembers 35 are supported in slots in the crown members 34 and are heldtherein by suitable detent securing means which permits readypositioning on the conveyor and ready removal thereof from the chain.The pusher members, as best seen in FIG. 3, cooperate with swordlikesaddle members 22 and push the signatures off the saddle members 22 andonto the crown members 34 in front of the pusher members 35 and aremoved therewith. It should be apparent that as a given pusher member 35moves through each of the feeding stations 13, a signature is positionedon the conveyor 16 in front of the pusher, thereby effecting theassembly of a pamphlet or book as the conveyor 16 moves therealong, asis well known.

The signature handling mechanism includes an inspection station 40, atwhich the assembled signatures or book, as it is being conveyed by theconveyor 16, is inspected to determine whether or not the book is toothick or too thin. The book, of course, would be too thin if one of thefeeding means at one of the feeding stations 13 was ineffective to feeda signature, and would be too thick if one of the feeding means 15 fedtwo or more signatures rather than one. At the inspection station 40, asuitable detector wheel 41 is located and which is driven in timedrelation to the feed of the books by the signature conveyor 16 andengages the books so as to effect the inspecting operation. The detectorwheel 41 is suitably supported in a well-known manner for movementinwardly in the event a book is conveyed therepast which is missing asignature and is thus too thin, and outwardly in the event that a bookis conveyed therepast which has too many signatures therein and is thustoo thick. This particular mounting of the detector wheel 41 will not bedescribed in detail, since it is conventional and well known.

The detector wheel 41 and signature conveyor 16 are driven in timedrelation with the feeding means 15. The signature conveyor 16 anddetector wheel 41 are driven from the main drive shaft 25 by a drivewhich includes a selective drive mechanism 44, best seen in FIG. 4, forvarying the speed of the conveyor 16 and detector wheel 41 relative tothe speed of operation of the feeding means 15, so that the feedingmeans and conveyor 16 may op erate at a speed relationship wherein thefeeding means delivers one signature to the conveyor for a predeterminedamount of movement of the conveyor or at another speed relationshipwherein the feeding means feeds a plurality of signatures to thesignature conveyor for the same predetermined amount of movement of theconveyor.

The selective drive mechanism 44 in the present embodiment is operableto drive the signature conveyor 16 and detector wheel 41 at two speedsrelative to the feeding means 15 and includes a pair of driving membersor sprockets 45, 46 carried by the main drive shaft 25 and locatedadjacent to one end of the signature conveyor 16. The sprockets 45, 46have chains 47, 48, respectively, trained therearound. The chains 47, 48are also trained around sprockets 49, 50, respectively, both of whichare rotatably supported on a shaft 51 which extends substantiallyparallel to the drive shaft 25. I Suitable tensioning means 52, 53 areprovided for providing sufficient tension in the chains 47, 48,respectively.

The sprockets 49, 50 are selectively fixedly secured to the shaft 51 soas to effect rotation thereof upon rotation of the sprockets 49, 50.Specifically, the sprockets 49, 50 may be fixedly secured to a suitablecollar member 54 fixedly secured to the shaft 51 by a cooperating collar55, of conventional construction, which clamps either the sprocket 49 orthe sprocket 50 to the collar member 54 so as to effect rotation of theshaft 51 with either the sprocket 49 or the sprocket 50. As shown inFIG. 4 of the drawings, the collar 55 is positioned so as to effectdriving of the shaft 51 from the sprocket 49, in which position thesprocket 50 free wheels or rotates relative to the shaft 51. Theparticular selection of the size of the sprockets 45, 49, on the onehand, and sprockets 46, 50, on the other hand, is such as to drive theshaft 51 at two different speeds. The sprocket 45 is approximatelyone-half the size of the sprocket 46, while the sprockets 49, 50 areapproximately the same size as the sprocket 46. This provides a 2:1drive ratio when the shaft 51 is rotated by the sprocket 45, whereas a1:1 drive ratio is provided when the sprocket 46 drives the shaft 51. Bya 2:1 drive ratio, of course, it is meant that the shaft 25 rotatestwice for one revolution of the shaft 51, while a 1:'1 ratio is suchthat the main drive shaft 25 rotates once for one revolution of theshaft 51. It should be apparent, therefore, that the shaft 51 rotates ateither a full or half speed relative to the drive shaft 25.

The shaft 51 which may be driven at either full or half speed by theselector drive mechanism 44 is drivingly connected to the signatureconveyor 16 and the detector wheel 41 and thus comprises a common drivemember therefor. The left end of the shaft 51, as viewed in FIG. 4, isprovided with a bevel pinion gear 56 which, in turn, meshes with a bevelpinion gear 57 mounted on a stub shaft 58 which is rotatably supportedin the frame of the signature handling mechanism. Stub shaft 58 carriesat one end thereof a driving sprocket 59 around which the signatureconveyor 16 is trained and which functions as the driving sprocket forthe signature conveyor 16.

The end of the shaft 51 opposite the end carrying the pinion gear 56 hasa sprocket wheel 60 rotatably supported thereon and around which a chain61 is trained. The chain 61 is also trained around a sprocket 62 fixedlysecured to a stub shaft which carries abevel pinion gear 64 which mesheswith another bevel pinion gear 65 fixedly secured to a substantiallyvertically extending stub shaft 66 rotatably supported in the frame ofthe machine. The stub shaft 66 is drivingly connected with the detectorwheel 41 to effect rotation thereof upon rotation of the shaft 66. Therelative sizes of the sprockets 60 and 62 is such as to provide a 1:2drive ratio therebetween, that is, one revolution of the sprocket 60effects two revolutions of the sprocket 62 and, in turn, two revolutionsof the detector wheel 41.

The circumference of the detector wheel 41 is such that for one rotationthereof the conveyor 16 moves a distance equal to the circumferencethereof so that the surface speed of the detector wheel 41 equals thesurface speed of the books conveyed by conveyor 16. It should beunderstood that the detector wheel periphery may not be a completecircle but that the detector wheel may have a portion of the peripheryforming an arc of a circle which functions as the detecting portionthereof and by circumference it is meant the periphery of the circle onwhich the detecting arc lies. Normally, the detecting wheel is cut awayso as not to engage the signatures at all times but only by thedetecting portion or arc. In the preferred embodiment, the circumferenceequals the distance that the conveyor moves upon half a revolution ofthe shaft 51 and, as described hereinabove, the detector wheel 41rotates twice for one revolution of the shaft 51, and, therefore, oncefor one-half a revolution of the shaft 51.

The detector wheel, as noted above, moves inwardly and outwardly tosense a book of improper thickness and upon movement either inwardly oroutwardly actuates a suitable control switch means which, in turn,provides for actuating a machine control function, as will be describedin detail hereinbelow. It should be apparent from the above description,however, that the detector wheel may sense each book conveyed therepastand provide a control function on that book if it is of an improperthickness. If the pusher members 35 are spaced along the chain conveyora distance equal to the circumference of the detector wheel, a controlsignal will result upon each revolution of the detector wheel. However,in the event that the pusher members are located at a distance greaterthan the circumference of the detector wheel so that the circumferenceis a whole multiple of the spacing therebetween, such as two times thecircumference of the detector wheel, a control signal will result on tworevolutions of the detector Wheel. To this end, the machine is providedwith suitable control switches, one of which is actuated for eachrevolution of the detector wheel and is operative upon actuation toprovide a control signal for controlling the machine function, while theother of the control switches is actuated upon the rotation of thedetector wheel a number of times equal to the multiple of thecircumference of the detector wheel to the spacing between the pushermembers.

These switches are designated 70, 71, respectively, and are actuatedupon rotation of the shaft 51. To this end, the outermost end of theshaft 51 carries a suitable collar member 72. The collar member 72rotates adjacent to the control switches 70, 71. The switches 70, 71 areactuated by lug members 73, 73a, and 74, respectively. The switch 71 isactuated by the lug member 74 upon each revolution of the shaft 51, andsince the shaft 51 upon one revolution thereof effects rotation of thedetector wheel twice, the lug member 74 actuates the switch 71 once fortwo revolutions of the detector wheel 41. The switch 70 is actuatedtwice for each rotation of the shaft 51, once by the lug 73 and once bythe lug 73a which are spaced 180 apart. It can be seen, therefore, thatthe switch 70 is actuated once per revolution of the detector wheel 41,while the switch 71 is actuated once every two revolutions of thedetector wheel. The particular function of the switches 70, 71 and theclosing thereof by the lugs 73, 73a, and 74, respectively, will bedescribed in detail hereinbelow in connection with the description ofthe electrical circuitry included in the apparatus.

After inspection, the signature conveyor 16 moves the books beyond theinspection station 40 and to a shuttle pickup station or conveyordelivery station 75. At the shuttle pickup station 75, the signaturesare engaged by a reciprocating shuttle feeding mechanism 76. The shuttlefeeding mechanism '76 includes a plurality of signature-engagingclamp-ing fingers 77 supported on a bar 78, in order to effect aclamping of the signatures for feeding purposes. The mechanism formoving the clamping fingers 77 toward and away from the plate 79 isconventional and thus is not shown or described. The clamp plate 79 issupported on a bar 80 and is movable so as to be located beneath a bookat the shuttle pickup station 75.

The fingers 77 and the clamp plate '79 are reciprocated along a linearpath of movement by a suitable linkage mechanism including a pair oflinks 81, 82 pivotally supported at one end thereof. A crank arm 83 isconnected at its one end to the links 81, 82 and is operable to pivotthe links 81, 82. The links 81, 82 are connected to the bars 78, 80,respectively, by a suitable linkage to effect reciprocation thereof uponpivoting movement of the links 81, 82.

The end of the crank arm 83 opposite the end connected to the links 81,82 is connected to a suitable rotating crank member 84 having a pair ofopenings 85, 86 therein connected by a slot, best seen in FIG. 2. Theend of the crank arm 8 opposite the end connected to the links 81, 8 2may be selectively connected in either of the openings 85, 86. Theopenings 85, 86 are spaced radially of the rotating crank member 84 andit should be apparent that when the link 83 is connected in the opening86 in the member 84, the shuttle mechanism will have a relatively longstroke, whereas if it is connected in the opening 85, the shuttlemechanism will have a short stroke. It should be apparent, of course,that for one rotation of the member 84, the shuttle mechanism will movethrough a complete cycle, that is, through a forward and return stroke,regardless of the length of the stroke. When the signature handlingmechanism is handling signatures of relatively short size, the shuttlemechanism stroke is maintained relatively short. Whereas, whensignatures of a relatively large size are being handled, the stroke isadjusted to a long stroke.

The shuttle feeding mechanism 76 is driven in timed relationship to thesignature conveyor 16 by an adjustable speed electric motor 90 whichalso effects rotation of the main drive shaft 25 of the signaturehandling mechanism 10. The output shaft of the motor 90 rotates asuitable pulley around which a drive belt 91 is trained. The belt 91 isalso trained around a flywheel 92. The flywheel 92 is nonrotatablycarried at one end of a shaft 93,

the other end of which supports a bevel gear 94. The bevel gear 94meshes with gear teeth 95 on the rotating crank member 84 which, asdescribed above, effects movement of the shuttle feeding mechanism '76through a complete cycle when rotated one complete revolution. Therotating crank member 84 is fixedly secured at one end to a shaft 96which carries a bevel pinion :gear 97 at the other end thereof. Thebevel pinion gear 97 is in driving engagement with a pinion gear 98mounted on the main drive shaft 25 which extends along the length of thesignature handling mechanism.

The shuttle mechanism 76 when it moves a book from the shuttle pickupstation 75, moves the book to a stapling or stitching station 100, atwhich, in the preferred embodiment, two stapling heads 10]., 102 arelocated. The stapling heads 101, 102 may be of any conventionalconstruction and are operated in a vertical direction to effect staplingof the books when they are positioned thereunder. Moreover, thestitching heads 101, 182 may be adjusted laterally so as to be properlypositioned over a signature regardless of the size thereof. Afterstapling, the books are fed by the shuttle mechanism 76 to a deliverystation 103. The fingers 77 of the shuttle mechanism are positioned onthe bar 78 and the clamp plate 79 extends so that the gripper fingers'77 are operable to grip a signature at the stitching station 100, aswell as at the shuttle pickup station 75 to effect simultaneous movementof the books at these stations.

The stitcher heads 101, 192 are driven vertically by the drivearrangement connected with the main drive shaft 25. The main drive shaft25 has a stitcher head driving pinion gear 104 secured thereto and inmesh with a pinion gear 105 carried on a shaft i106 which carries asuitable cam 107 which effects vertical reciprocation of the stitcherheads 101, 102 upon rotation thereof. A suitable clutch mechanism 108 isinterposed between the gear 105 and the cam 107 and when disengagedstops rotation of the cam which, in turn, stops the verticalreciprocatory movement of the stitcher heads 101, 102. The clutchmechanism 108 is of any conventional construction and is disengaged upondeenergization of a solenoid, as will be clearly described hereinbelow,to prevent the operation of the stitching heads on a book of improperthickness. The deenergization of the solenoid is effected upon sensingby the detector wheel 41 that a book of improper thickness is beingconveyed and the detector wheel, as described hereinabove, sets up acontrol circuit which will be described hereinbelow to prevent the operation of the stitching heads when that book of improper thickness is inposition under the stitching heads.

As noted hereinabove, the books are moved to the delivery station 1103by the shuttle mechanism 75. The books are moved from the deliverystation 103 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the directionof feeding by the signature conveyor 16 and the shuttle mechanism 76.This feeding of the books from the delivery station 103 is effected by areciprocating blade means 110 which moves vertically and engages a bookat the delivery station 103 and moves the book into the nipof a deliveryconveyor belt mechanism 111 which, in turn, feeds the book toward thetrimmer mechanism, not shown.

The books which are of improper thickness and have not been stitched areejected from the machine as they are being fed toward the trimmingmechanism. The ejection of the books is under the control of thedetector wheel 41 and ejection is actuated by operation of the detectorwheel and the control circuitry to be described hereinbelow. The book isejected or removed from the machine by operation of ejector guidefingers 115. The ejector guide fingers 115 are located adjacent theconveyor belt mechanism 111 and are movable into the path of movement ofa book. When the fingers 115 move into the path of movement of the book,they guide the book into a magazine 1-16 and out of the path of movementtoward the trimming mechanism. Thus, the books of improper thickness areremoved from the signature handling mechanism and are not trimmed in thetrimming mechanism. The guide fingers 115 are moved to their position toeject a book upon actuation of a suitable control, to be describedhereinbelow. If the book is not ejected, of course, it is fed to thetrimming mechanism by a suitable conveyor 117. The trimming mechanismmay take many forms but preferably is such as shown in United StatesPatent No. 3,148,574.

The signature handling apparatus \10, due to the particular driverelationship described hereinabove, is readily adjustable for thehandling of large and small size signatures at relatively high speeds asdesired and with good control of the signatures. For the handling ofrelatively large size signatures, the pushers 35 on the conveyor 16 arespaced a predetermined distance apart equal to the distance traveled bythe conveyor 16 on one revolution of the shaft 51. The selective drivemechanism 44 is adjusted to drive the shaft 51 in a 1:1 relationshipwith the cam shaft 25 so that the feeding means delivers one large sizesignature for movement of the conveyor through the distance betweenpushers. The detector wheel 41, as noted above, rotates twice during themovement of the conveyor 16 the distance equal to the distance betweenthe signature pushers. However, due to the operation of the switch 71,the detector wheel provides a control operation only once for the tworevolutions thereof.

The shuttle feeding mechanism 76 is adjusted so as to have its longstroke, and specifically the end of the arm 83 is connected in therecess 86 in the member 84, thus providing the relatively long stroke.The length of the shuttle stroke, however, is in this position a fullmultiple of the distance between the centerline of the trimmingmechanism at which the center of the books are located when in deliverystation 103 and the centerline of the sprocket conveyor at which thecenter of the books are located when at the shuttle pickup station 75,so that through a whole number of strokes the books are moved thisdistance. Moreover, this distance is nonvariable in that it is notchanged when handling different size signatures.

When the signature handling mechanism 10 is operatmg on large sizesignatures in accordance with the above, the signatures are deliveredindividually to the signature conveyor 16, assembled into a book andconveyed through the inspection station to the shuttle pickup station75, at which the centerline of the signatures is on the centerline ofthe sprocket 59 of the signature conveyor 16. The line 130 in FIG. 5designates the centerline of the driving sprocket 59 of the signatureconveyor 16. The shuttle mechanism after it engages a book at theshuttle pickup station 75 moves the book in the direction of the arrowto the stitching station 100 intermediate the centerline 130 of thesprocket 59 of the signature conveyor 16 and the centerline 135 of thetrimming mechanism.

The shuttle mechanism then returns to the shuttle pickup station 75 tomove the next signature into the stitching station. When the shuttlemechanism engages the next signature, it also engages the previouslymoved signature located at the stitching station 100 and moves thesignature at the stitching station 100 to the delivery station and thesignature at the shuttle pickup station 75 to the stitching station 100.Thus, the shuttle mechanism handles two signatures at one time andshifts them an equal distance.

When it is desired to handle smaller size signatures, additional pushermembers 35 are positioned on the conveyor 16 and halfway between thepushers 35 which are on the chain conveyor for the handling of largesize signatures. The shuttle feeding mechanism 76 is adjusted so thatthe stroke thereof is relatively short and to this end, the crankconnection is moved into the opening 1n the drive member 84. Theselective drive mechanism 44 is adjusted so as to drive the signaturehandling conveyor 16 and the detector wheel 41 at a reduced speedrelative to the feeding mechanism 15 and specifically at one-half thespeed of the feeding mechanism 15. In this position, the sprocket 45drives the signature conveyor and at one-half the speed at which theconveyor was driven by the sprocket 46. However, the conveyor 16, ofcourse, is capable of carrying twice the number of small signatures and,therefore, the output of the conveyor 16 remains substantially the same,in terms of the number of books per minute. Moreover, since the outputspeed of the motor is adjustable, the overall speed of the machine maybe increased when handling the small size sitgnatures, thereby markedlyincreasing the output there- 0 FIG. 6 illustrates books located atvarious positions when the mechanism is handling small size books. Abook is located at the shuttle pickup station 75 at the beginning of acycle of operation and when the shuttle mechanism is in its forwardposition, is in engagement with the signature at the shuttle pickupstation 75 and is ready to move the signature in the direction of thearrow to the stitching stat-ion 100. At the stitching station 100, thesignature is stapled by the stapling mechanism. The signature is thenmoved from the stitching station to a delay or dead position designatedC in FIG. 6, :at which no operation is performed on the signature, andthen is moved to the delivery station 103 by the shuttle feedingmechanism 76, from which station the signature is either ejected or fedto the trimming mechanism. Of course, the extent of the feeding fingersand the clamp plate of the shuttle mechanism is sufficient in order toengage a signature at the position C in order to move the signature intothe delivery position or station 103. It should 9 be apparent from theabove that three strokes of the shuttle mechanism is required to movethe book from the pickup station 75 to the delivery station 103.

The operation of the above-described mechanism will be particularlyclear from a description of the electrical circuitry embodied therein.The circuit is illustrated schematically in FIG. 7 and comprises acontrol means responsive to the sensing by the detector of an improperbook to effect a machine control function, and includes an on-off switch180. The circuit also includes detector wheel actuated contacts 183 and200. The contacts 183 are normally closed and are opened by a book whichis of proper thickness, while the contacts 200 are normally open butclosed by a book which is too thick. Furthermore, the circuit includes aselector switch 205 which is actuated between two positions depending onwhether large or small signatures are being handled, thus rendering thecircuit selectively responsive to the detector wheel.

Energization of the machine is effected by closing of the on off switch180, there'by connecting the power conductor 181 with the conductor 182.The closing of the switch 180 completes a circuit from the conductor 182through normally closed contacts 183 of the detector mechanism,conductor 18 4, switch element 185 of a 4- pole run-set switch 186 nowin its set position, conductor 187, and light 188 which is connected tothe power line 189 causing energization of the light 188 so as toindicate to the operator that the on-off switch is in its on position.

The motor 90, not shown on the circuit diagram, is then energized toeffect operation of the various operating mechanisms embodied therein,as described hereinabove. The motor 90 may be energized in any manner.The run-set switch 186 includes four switch elements 191, 192, and 193,as Well as 185. The switch elements 191 and 192 when in their setposition are not connected in any circuit. The switch element 185 whenin its set position is connected in the circuit energizing the light188, described hereinabove, while the switch element 193 when in its setposition connects the conductor 198 with conductor 199. However, when inits set position, no current flows through the conductors 1'98, 199because the detector switch contacts 200 which are normally open areconnected with the conductor 198.

Actuation of the run-set switch 186, as noted hereinabove, causes theswitch elements 191, 192, 193, and 185 to be moved to their runpositions from their set positions. Movement of the switch element 185to its run position breaks the circuit to the light 188, therebydeenergizing the light and connects the conductor 184 with the conductor198. No current fiows through the conductor 198, however, since it isconnected with the conductor 182 through the switch element 193 which ismoved to its run position connecting the conductor 198 with theconductor 202 which, in turn, is connected through a selector switch 205and switches 71 or 70 to the conductor 182, depending upon the positionof the switch element 206 of the switch 205. I

Movement of the switch elements 191, 192 from their set position totheir run position performs no function since these switch elements arein circuit with the switch elements 193, 185, respectively, which havebeen moved to a position wherein they are not connected with theelements 191, 192, respectively.

With the run-set switch 186 in its run position and the on-otf switch180 in its on position, the motor 90 is energized in order to effectoperation of the various mechanisms described hereinabove. As the motor90 begins, signatures are fed from the hoppers 14 to the signatureconveyor 16. The signature conveyor 16, of course, as describedhereinabove, gathers the signatures into a hook ahd conveys the bookthrough theinspection station and past the detector wheel. The detectorwheel 41 is operative to sense whether or not the signatures are toothick or too thin. The detector wheel 41 operates the switch 10 contacts183, 200, respectively. The contacts 183 are normally closed and areopened by a book of proper thick ness, while the contacts 200 arenormally open and are closed by a book which is too thick.

Assuming the books comprised of small size signatures are being handled,when the books which are being handled are of the proper thickness,switch contacts 200 remain open at all times. The normally closed switchcontacts 183 are in a circuit which includes the conductor 184, switchelement 185 of the run-set switch 186, conductor 198, switch element1930f the run-set switch 186, conduct-or 202, selector switch element206 of selector switch 205, conductor 216, switch element 217 of switch7 0. The switch element 217 of the switch is normally connected toconductor 218 which, in turn, is connected to the conductor 182. Theswitch element 217, however, is moved by the lugs 73, 73a from itsposition connected to conductor 218 to a position connected to aconductor 219. The conductor 219 in turn is connected with a relay 220which in turn is connected to power line 189. The timing of the movementof the switch element 217 is such that it is moved by the lugs 73, 73a,when the detector wheel has effected opening of the contacts 183. Thus,every time that a good book passes the detector wheel 41, a circuit isnot completed through the switch element 217 to the relay 220 due to theopening of the contacts 183 by the book of proper thickness.

However, in the event that a book which is fed past the detector wheelis too thin, the contacts 183 are not opened, thus upon movement of theswitch element 217, a circuit is completed through the contacts 183,conductor 184, switch element 185 of switch 186, conductor 198,switch-element 193 of switch 186, conductor 202, switch element 206 ofthe selector switch 205, conductor 216, switch element 217 of the switch70, conductor 219 and relay 220 which is connected to the powerconductor 189, thereby energizing relay 220. Energization of the relay.220 causes the relay contacts 220-1, 220-2 thereof to close.

Closing of the contacts 2201 completes a circuit through the switchcontacts 183, conductor 184, switch element 185 of switch 186, conductor198, switch element 193 of switch 186, conductor 202, now closedcontacts 2201 of relay 220, conductor 220a, switch elements 192, 191 ofswitch 186 and conductors 187, 199 which are connected to lights 188 and221, respectively, thus causing the lights 188, 221 to be energized.

When the lug 73 or 73a passes the switch 70, the switch element 217thereof returns to its normal position breaking the circuit therethroughto the relay 220. The relay 220, however, is not de-energized at thistime since a holding circuit therefor has been established through thecontacts 2201 thereof. This holding circuit is broken by de-e-nergizingthe relay 220 when contacts 183 are opened by a good book moving pastthe detector wheel in the next cycle of the machine.

The closing of the contacts 220-2 of the relay 220 actuates a suitabledelay circuit mechanism for preventing the stitching mechanism fromoperating and operating the ejector fingers when the book reaches thosemechanisms. The description of the delay circuitry set in operation bythe relay 220 is identical regardless of the size of the books orwhether the book is too thin or too'thick. There-fore prior to thediscussion of the delay circuitry, the energization of the relay 220 forthick small size books, as well as for thick and thin large size bookswill be described.

When a thick 'book of too small size is fed past the detector wheel 41,the contacts 200 thereof which are normally open are closed. Thiscompletes a circuit through the contacts 200, conductor 198, switchelement 193 of the run-set switch 186, conductor 202, switch element 206of the selector switch 205, conductor 216 to switch 70. When the switchelement 217 of switch 70 is moved by either lug 73 or 73a, a circuit iscompleted through the switch element 217 of the switch 70, conductor219, and relay 220, causing energization thereof and causing closing ofthe relay contacts 2001 and 2202 thereof, as described hereinabove, withrespect to the operation when a too thin book is detected. Closing ofthe contacts 220-1 establishes a holding circuit for relay 220 which isbroken when contacts 200 open which occurs when the thick book passesbeyond the detector wheel.

Assuming now that books of large size are to be handled by themechanism, the selector switch 205 is switched to its position whereinthe switch element 206 thereof is connected with conductor 240 which, inturn, is connected with switch 71. The connection of the conductor 240to conductor 202 performs no function at this time since conductor 240is connected with the switch element 241 of switch 71 which is connectedat this time to conductor 218 which is connected to conductor 182. Theswitch element 241 of switch 71 is moved to a position connected to theconductor 219 by the passage of the lug 74 past the switch 71.

When a large book of proper thickness is fed past the detector wheel 41,the contacts 200 remain open, whereas the contacts 183 which arenormally closed, are opened. The opening of the contacts 183 prevents acircuit from being completed through conductor 184, switch element 185,conductor 198, switch element 193, conductor 202, switch element 206 ofthe selector switch 205, and conductor 240 when the switch element 241of the switch 71 is moved to its position connected with conductor 219.The timing is such that the contacts 183 are open when the lug 74 movesthe switch element 241. Thus, the relay 220 is not energized when a goodbook is being conveyed.

In the event a large book which is too thin is being conveyed past thedetector wheel 41, the contacts 183 remain closed. When lug 74 moves theswitch element 241 to connect with conductor 219, a circuit is thencompleted through the closed contacts 183, switch element 241, conductor219 and relay 220, thereby energizing the relay 220. Energization of therelay 220 causes the relay contacts 220-1 and 220-2 to be closed.

As described hereinabove with respect to a small signature, when thelarge signatures flowing therethrough are too thick, the contacts 200 ofthe detector mechanism close. Closing of the contacts 200 completes acircuit through the contacts 200, conductor 198, switch element 193 ofswitch 186, conductor 202, switch element 206 of the selector switch205, conductor 240, switch element 241 of the switch 71 when the lug 74effects movement of the switch element 241 thereof, conductor 219 andrelay 220, causing energization of the relay 220 and closing of therelay contacts 220-1 and 220-2.

From the above description, it should be apparent that when thesignature handling mechanism is handling a large size signature or asmall size signature, with the selector switch 205 accordinglypositioned in either one of its two positions, the relay 220 isenergized when a signature passes the detector wheel 41 if the signatureis either too thick or too thin. The relay 220, in all cases, ismaintained energized through the contacts 220-1 which provide a holdingcircuit around the switches 70, 71. When a too thin book has beensensed, the contacts 220'- 1 are broken to de-energize the relay 220when a book of proper thickness is fed past the detector wheel causingbreaking of the contacts 183. When the contacts 183 break, of course,this breaks the circuit through contacts 220-1 to the relay 220 therebyde-energizing the relay and opening the contacts 220-1, 220-2 thereof.When a too thick book has been sensed, the contacts 220-1 are broken byopening of contacts 200 by the passage of the too thick book past thedetector wheel. In any event, the contacts 220-1 and 2202 remain closedfor a predetermined interval of time.

As noted above, the energization of contacts 220-2 actuates delaycircuit means for controlling a machine operation on the defective bookat a time after the detection occurs and in another cycle of themachine. The closing of the contacts 220-2 performs no functionimmediately on their closing since they are in a circuit containing thenormally open contacts 2501 of a relay 250. The relay 250 is energizedand the contacts 250-1 thereof are closed upon the actuation of amachine controlled switch 251. The machine controlled switch 251 isoperated at approximately 330 of the main drive shaft rotation and has aswitch element 251a moved from its normal position, shown in FIG. 5,wherein it is connected to contact 252 to an actuated position whereinit engages contact 253. The switch element 251a when moved to itsposition in engagement with the contact 253, completes a circuit throughthe contacts 220-2, conductor 254, switch element 251a, conductor 255,and relay 250, causing energization of the relay 250. Energization ofthe relay 250 causes relay contacts 250-1 and 2502 thereof to be closedand opening of contacts 250-3 thereof. Closing of the relay contacts250-1 provides a holding circuit maintaining the relay 250 energizedeven though the switch element 251a is moved to the position where itengages contact 252, and the relay 220 is deenergized causing opening ofthe contacts 220-2. The relay 250 remains energized through a circuitfrom conductor 260, switch element 251a now engaged with contact 252 ofthe switch 251, conductor 261, and contacts 2501 of the relay 250. Fromthis, of course, it should be apparent that the relay 220 is notdc-energized until after the switch element 251a returns to its positionin engagement with contact 252. Thus, the relay 250 remains energizedeven though the relay 220 is de-energized. It should be apparent, ofcourse, that the relay 250 is de-energized upon movement of the switchelement 251a from contact 252 of switch 251, breaking the circuit to therelay 250 and causing the energization thereof at 330 of rotation of theshaft 25, which occurs during the next cycle of operation of themachine.

Before the relay 250 is de-energized, the book is moved by the shuttlemechanism 40 to the switching station 100. However, the stitching heads,101, 102 do not move down into engagement with a signature if ofimproper thickness in view of the fact that the contact 250-3 whichcontrols the solenoid clutch 108 for controlling the operation of thestitching heads has been opened. The opening of the contact 250-3 uponenergization of the relay 250 breaks the circuit through the conductor260, now open contacts 2503 to the clutch solenoid coil 261 which isconnected to the power line 189. The de-energization of the clutchsolenoid 261 causes the clutch mechanism to stop the movement of thestitching heads 101, 102. Thus, the signature which has been sensed asbeing too thin or too thick during one cycle will not be stitched orstapled at the stitching station during the next cycle of operation ofthe machine.

The closing of the contacts 2502 of the relay 250 performs no immediatefunction. However, at 290 of rotation in the next cycle of operationafter the contacts 250-2 have been closed, a machine-operated controlswitch 262 is actuated caussing movement of a control swtich element262a away from contact 263 thereof and into engagement with contact 264thereof. The movement of the control switch element 262a out ofengagement with the contact 263 and into engagement with the contact 264of the switch 262 causes a circuit to be completed from the conductor182 through now closed contacts 2502 of the relay 250, conductor 267,the switch element 262a, now in engagement with the contact 264,conductor 268 and relay 270 to the power line 189 causing energizationof the relay 270. Energization of the relay 270 causes relay contacts270-1 thereof and 270-2 thereof to be closed.

Closing of the contacts 270-1 of the relay 270 completes a holdingcircuit for holding the relay 270 energiz- 13 ed when the switch element262a moves out of engagement with the contact 264 and into engagementwith the contact 263. When the switch element 262a moves into engagementwith the contact 263, a circuit is completed holding the relay 270energized, which circuit includes contacts 250-2 and contacts 270-1 ofthe relay 270. The switch element 262a is moved into position inengagement with the contact 263 prior to 330 of rotation of the camshaft, namely, prior to the time when the relay is deenergized. When therelay 250 is d e-energized, the relay 270 is maintained energizedthrough a circuit including conductor 271, switch element 262a, now inengagement with the contact 263 of the switch 262, conductor 267, nowclosed contacts 270-1 of the relay 270, conductor 268, to the relay 270.The relay 270, of course, remains energized as long as the switchelement 262a remains in engagement with the contact 263 and isde-energized upon the movement of the switch element 262a from thecontact 263 which, of course, occurs at 290 of rotation in the nextcycle of operation of the machine, which of course causesde-energization of the relay 270 and opening of the contacts 270-1,270-2 thereof.

Before the switch element 262a of the switch 262 is moved out ofengagement with the contact 263 to cause de-energization of the relay270, another machine controlled switch 275 is actuated causing a switchmember 275a to be moved out of engagement with a contact 276 of theswitch 275 and into engagement with the contact 277 thereof. Themovement of the switch member 275a occurs at approximately 250 in thecycle of rotation ofthe machine drive shaft which, of course, is priorto the time when the switch element 262a is moved which occurs atapproximately 290 of rotation of the cam shaft.

When the switch element 275a of the switch 275 moves into engagementwith the contact 277 thereof, a circuit is completed from the conductor182 through now closed contacts 270-2 of the relay 270, conductor 280,switch .element 275a of the switch 275 now in engagement with thecontact 277, conductor 282, and relay 284 to the power line 189 causingenergization of relay 284. Energization of the relay 284 causes thenormally closed contacts 284- 1, 284-2, and 2843 thereof to be closed.

The closing of the contacts 284-1 of the relay 284 causes the relay toremain energized even though the switch element 275a moves out ofengagement with the contact 277 and into engagement with the contact276. This movement occurs prior to 290 of the cam shaft rotation so thatit occurs While the contacts 270-2 are closed. Thus, the relay 284remains energized through a circuit which includes the contacts 2702 andthe contacts 284-1 of the relay 284. After the contacts 270-2 open,namely, at 290 of rotation of the cam shaft 25, the relay 284 ismaintained energized through a circuit which includes the switch element275a of the switch 275 now in engagement with the contact 276, conductor280, closed contacts 284-1 of the relay 204, conductor 282, and therelay 284. The relay 284 is maintained energized until 250 of rotationin the next cycle of operation of the machine when the switch element275 is moved out of engagement with the contact 276, thereby breakingthe circuit to the relay 284.

It should be apparent from the above description that when the relay 284is energized in the operation of the machine, two cycles of the machinehave lapsed since .the detecting operation on a book effectedenergization thereof. When the large size signatures are being handledby the machine, the signatures are at the delivery station on thecenterline of the trimmer mechanism. The contacts 284-3 of the relay284, when closed, provide for actuation of the ejector guide fingers 215causing the signature to be rejected. The energization of contacts 284-3of the relay 284 effects energization of a solenoid control 290 forefiecting movement of the fingers 215.

The solenoid coil 290 is energized through a circuit from seemsconductor 182 through selector switch element 205a of the selectorswitch 205 now in contact with contact 293, conductor 295, now closedcontacts 284-3 of the relay 284, conductor 297, and coil 290 of thesolenoid to the power line 189. Energization of the solenoid 290 effectsthe movement of the feeding fingers to eject the signature.

In the event that the signature handling mechanism is operating on smallsize signatures, the signature at this time is located at position C,shown in FIG. 6. The switch element 205a will be in a position inengagement with contact 300 thereof. In this position, the closing ofthe contacts 2843 will perform no function since they will be in serieswith the contact 293 of the switch 215.

Closing of the contacts 284-2 of the relay 284 performs no functionimmediately since they are connected with a switch element 302a of amachined-controlled switch 302 having contacts 304 and 306 between whichthe element 302a is moved. The element 302a is moved into engagementwith contact 306 at 220 of the cycle of operation of the machine, andwhen so moved causes energization of the relay 314. When the switchelement 302a engages contact 306 of the switch 302, a circuit iscompleted from the conductor 182 through now closed contacts 284-2 ofrelay 284, switch element 302a now in engagement with contact 306 ofswitch 302, conductor 312, and relay 314 to the power line 189.Energization of the relay 314 causes the relay contacts 3141 and 314-2thereof to be closed. The closing of the contacts 314-1 of the relay 314maintains the relay 314 energized, even though the switch element 302areturns to the position wherein it engages contact 304. The relay 314 ismaintained energized through a circuit including contacts 284-2 and314-1. When contacts 2842 open, the relay 314 is maintained energizedthrough a circuit from conductor 182, switch element 302a now inengagement with contact 304, conductor 310, now closed contacts 3141 ofthe relay 314, conductor 312, and the relay 314. The relay 314 remainsenergized as long as the contact 304 is engaged by the switch element302a which is moved from contact 304 at 220 during the next cycle ofoperation of the machine, thereby deenergizing the relay 314.

The relay contacts 314-2 when closed energize the reject solenoid coil290. The closing of the contacts 314-2 completes a circuit from theconductor 182 through now closed contacts 300- of the selector switch215, conductor 320, now closed contacts 314-2 of the relay 314,conductor 297, and the coil 290 which is connected to the power line189, thereby energizing the coil 290. Energization of the coil 290, asdescribed above in connection with the large size signatures, actuatesthe reject fingers to be operative to reject a signature. vThe rejectsolenoid coil 290 is thus energized after the cycles of operation havelapsed since the detection occurred.

From the above description, it should be apparent that the controlcircuit described hereinabove is responsive to the sensing of a book ofimproper thickness. Specifically, it is selectively responsive to thesensing by a single detector wheel of a book of improper thicknessdepending on the size thereof and is effective to control a machineoperation or function thereon, namely, preventing of the stitchingthereof or ejection thereof.

From the above description, it should be readily apparent that a new andimproved signature handling mechanism is provided by the presentstructure. It should be further understood that certain modifications,changes, and adaptations may be made therein by those skilled in the artto which it relates, and it is hereby intended to cover all suchmodifications, adaptations, and changes falling within the scope of theappended claims.

Having described our invention, we claim:

1. A signature handling mechanism comprising a signature conveyor, aplurality of signature pushers adapted to be supported on said signatureconveyor at a first predetermined distance apart for conveyingsignatures of a first size or at a second predetermined distance apartwhich when multiplied by a whole number other than one approximatelyequals said first predetermined distance for conveying signatures of asecond size, said pushers being operable when at said firstpredetermined distance apart to move signatures assembled into books ofa first size through an inspection station and operable when at saidsecond predetermined distance apart to move signatures assembled intobooks of a second size through said inspection station, a detector wheellocated at said inspection station and engageable with books of saidfirst and second size conveyed by said conveyor and having a detectingperipheral portion lying on a circle having a circumference equal tosaid second predetermined distance, drive means for said signatureconveyor and detector wheel for driving said signature conveyor anddetector wheel at the same surface speed including means for varying thespeed of the signature conveyor and detector wheel in accordance withthe size of signatures being handled, and control means selectivelyresponsive to the sensing by the detector wheel of a book of said firstor said second size being of improper thickness and operable to effect amachine control function thereon.

2. A signature handling mechanism comprising a signature conveyor, aplurality of signature pushers adapted to be supported on said signatureconveyor at a first predetermined distance apart for conveyingsignatures of a first size or at a second predetermined distance apartwhich when multiplied by a whole number other than one approximatelyequals said first predetermined distance for conveying signatures of asecond size, said pushers being operable when at said firstpredetermined distance apart to move signatures assembled into books ofa first size through an inspection station and operable when at saidsecond predetermined distance apart to move signatures assembled intobooks of a second size through said inspection station, a detector wheellocated at the inspection station and engageable with books of saidfirst and second size conveyed by said conveyor and having a detectingperipheral portion lying on a circle having a circumference equal tosaid second predetermined distance, drive means for said signatureconveyor and detector wheel for driving said detector wheel andsignature conveyor at the same surface speeds including means forvarying the speed of the signature conveyor and detector wheel inaccordance with the size of signatures being handled, and control meansselectively responsive to the sensing by the detector wheel of a book ofsaid first or said second size being too thick or too thin and operableto effect a machine control function thereon.

3. A signature handling mechanism comprising a signature conveyor,aplurality of signature pushers adapted to be supported on saidsignature conveyor at a first predetermined distance apart for conveyingsignatures of a first size or at a second predetermined distance apartfor conveying signatures of a second size, said pushers being operablewhen at said first predetermined distance apart to move signaturesassembled into books of a first size through an inspection station andoperable when at said :second predetermined distance apart to movesignatures :assembled into books of a second size through saidinspection station, a detector wheel located at said inspection stationand engageable with said books to sense the thickness thereof, drivemeans for said signature conveyor and detector wheel for driving saidsignature conveyor and detector wheel at the same surface speed,detector actuated switch means actuated in response to said detectorwheel sensing a book of improper thickness, first control switch meansactuated once for each book of said first size conveyed past saiddetector wheel, second control switch means actuated once for each bookof said second size conveyed past said detector wheel, and selectorswitch means for selectively connecting said first and second switchmeans with said detector wheel actuated switch means.

4. A signature handling mechanism comprising a signature conveyor, aplurality of signature pushers adapted to be supported on said signatureconveyor at a first predetermined distance apart or at a secondpredetermined distance apart which when multiplied by a whole numberother than one approximately equals said first predetermined distancefor conveying signatures of a second size, said pushers being operablewhen at said first predetermined distance apart to move signaturesassembled into books of a first size through an inspection station andoperable when at said second predetermined distance apart to movesignatures assembled into books of a second size through said inspectionstation, a detector wheel located at said inspection station andengageable with said books to sense the thickness thereof, said detectorwheel having a detecting peripheral portion lying on a circle having acircumference which is substantially equal to said second predetermineddistance, drive means for said signature conveyor and detector wheel fordriving said signature conveyor and detector wheel at the same surfacespeed, detector actuated switch means actuated in response to saiddetector wheel sensing a book of improper thickness, a first controlswitch actuated on each revolution of the detector wheel, a secondcontrol switch actuated once for a number of detector wheel revolutionsequal to said whole number, and selector switch means for selectivelyconnecting said first or second control switch with said detectoractuated switch means to provide a control signal when the detectorwheel senses books of either said first or second size being of improperthickness.

5. A signature handling mechanism as defined in claim 4 wherein saidselector switch has first and second contacts connected in series withsaid first and second control switches, said contacts being selectivelyconnected with said detector actuated switch means.

6. A signature handling mechanism as defined in claim 4 wherein saidfirst and second control switches are supported adjacent a shaft memberrotatable in timed relation to the rotation of the detector wheel, saidshaft member carrying switch actuators for actuating said switches uponrotation thereof.

7. A signature handling mechanism as defined in claim 6 wherein saidshaft and detector wheel have a drive means therebetween for effectingthe number of detector wheel revolutions equal to the whole number forone revolution of said shaft.

8. A signature handling mechanism as defined in claim 7 wherein saidshaft comprises a common drive member for said signature conveyor anddetector wheel and effects rotation of said detector wheel said wholenumber of times while said conveyor moves for one revolution of saidcommon drive member.

9. A signature handling mechanism comprising a signature conveyor, aplurality of signature pushers, means on said conveyor for mounting saidpushers a first predetermined distance apart or a second predetermineddistance apart which is twice said first predetermined distance, saidpushers being operable when spaced said first predetermined distanceapart to move signatures assembled into a book of a first size throughan inspection station to a conveyor delivery station and operable whenspaced said second predetermined distance apart to move signaturesassembled into books of a second size through said inspection station tosaid conveyor delivery station, a detector wheel located at saidinspection station and engageable with books conveyed therethrough tosense the thickness thereof, said detector wheel having a peripheralportion lying on a circle having a circumference which is substantiallyequal to said first predetermined distance, drive means for saidsignature conveyor and detector wheel for driving said signatureconveyor and detector wheel at the same surface speed including meansfor varying the speed of the signature conveyor and detector wheel inaccordance with the size of signatures being handled, and control meansresponsive to said detector wheel sens- 1 7 ing a book of improperthickness and effecting a machine control function thereon.

10. A signature handling mechanism comprising a signature conveyor, aplurality of signature pushers, means on said conveyor for mounting saidpushers a first predetermined distance apart or a second predetermineddistance apart which is twice said first predetermined distance, saidpushers being operable when spaced said first predetermined distanceapart to move signatures assembled into a book of a first size throughan inspection station to a conveyor delivery station and operable whenspaced said second predetermined distance apart to move signaturesassembled into books of a second size through said inspection station tosaid conveyor delivery station, a detector wheel located at saidinspection station and engageable with books conveyed therethrough tosense the thickness thereof, said detector wheel having a peripheralportion lying on a circle having a circumference which is substantiallyequal to said first predetermined distance, drive means for saidsignature conveyor and detector wheel for driving said signatureconveyor and detector wheel at the same surface speed, detector actuatedswitch means actuated in response to said detector wheel sensing a bookof improper thickness, a first control switch actuated on eachrevolution of the detector wheel, a second control switch actuated oncefor two revolutions of the detector wheel, selector switch means forselectively connecting said first or second control switch with saiddetector actuated switch means to provide a control signal when thedetector wheel senses a book of either said first or second size beingof improper thickness, a reciprocating shuttle mechanism movable toconvey signatures between said conveyor delivery station and a shuttledelivery station, the centers of the conveyor delivery station andshuttle delivery station lie on spaced lines perpendicular to thedirection of movement of the signatures with the distance therebetweenbeing nonvariable, and means for reciprocating said shuttle mechanismthrough a stroke including means for varying the length of the stroke ofsaid shuttle between first and second different stroke lengths onlywhich when multiplied by different whole numbers equals the distancebetween the centers of the conveyor and shuttle delivery station wherebybooks of said first size are moved between the conveyor delivery stationand the shuttle delivery station in a first number of strokes of theshuttle mechanism and books of said second size are moved therebetweenin a second number of strokes of the shuttle mechanism.

11. A signature handling mechanism comprising a signature conveyor, aplurality of pushers, means on said conveyor for mounting said pushers afirst predetermined distance apart or a second predetermined distanceapart for conveying signatures of first and second sizes to a conveyordelivery station, a shuttle mechanism reciprocable between said conveyordelivery station and a shuttle delivery station for moving signaturestherebetween, the distance between the center of said conveyor deliverystation and the center of said shuttle delivery station beingnonvariable, the center of said signatures as measured on a lineperpendicular to the direction of movement of the signatures beinglocated at the center of said conveyor delivery station and said shuttledelivery station when located thereat, and means for reciprocating saidshuttle mechanism through a stroke including means for varying thestroke of said shuttle mechanism between first and second differentstroke lengths only with the first and second stroke lengths whenmultiplied by whole different numbers equalling the distance between thecenters of the conveyor delivery and shuttle delivery stations.

12. A signature handling mechanism comprising a signature conveyor, aplurality of signature pushers, means on said conveyor for mounting saidpushers at a first predetermined distance apart for moving signatures ofa peripheral portion lying on a circle having a first size to a conveyordelivery station or at a second predetermined distance apart which istwice said first distance for moving signatures of a second size to saidconveyor delivery station, feeder means for feeding signatures of eithersaid first or second size into position for engagement by said pushersas they move with said conveyor, drive means for said feeder means andsignature conveyor means operable to vary the drive relationshiptherebetween from a 2:1 speed relationship wherein said feeder meansdelivers one signature of said first size for each pusher spaced saidfirst predetermined distance apart and a 1:1 relationship wherein saidfeeder means delivers one signature of said second size for each pusherspaced said second predetermined distance apart, a reciprocating shuttlemechanism movable through a stroke to move signatures from said conveyordelivery station to a shuttle delivery station, the distance between thecenter of said conveyor delivery station and the center of said shuttledelivery station being nonvariable, the center of said signatures asmeasured on a line perpendicular to the direction of movement of thesignatures being located at the centers of said conveyor deliverystation and said shuttle delivery station when located thereat, andmeans for reciprocating said shuttle mechanism including means forvarying the stroke of said shuttle between first and second strokelengths only with the first and second stroke lengths when multiplied bywhole different numbers equalling the distance between the centers ofthe conveyor delivery and shuttle delivery stations.

13., A signature handling mechanism comprising a signature conveyor, aplurality of signature pushers adapted to be supported on said signatureconveyor at a first predetermined distance apart for conveyingsignatures of a first size or at a second predetermined distance apartwhich when multiplied by a Whole number other than one approximatelyequals said first predetermined distance for conveying signatures of asecond size, said pushers being operable when at said firstpredetermined distance apart to move signatures assembled into books ofa first size through an inspection station and operable when at saidsecond predetermined distance apart to move signatures assembled intobooks of a second size through said inspection station, a detector wheellocated at the inspection station and engageable with books of saidfirst and second size conveyed by said conveyor and having a detectingcircumference equal to said second predetermined distance, drive meansfor said signature conveyor and detector wheel for driving said detectorwheel and signature conveyor at the same surface speeds, control meansselectively responsive to the sensing by the detector wheel of a book ofsaid first or said second size being too thick or too thin and operableto effect a machine control function thereon, said control meansincluding detector wheel actuated switch means, first control switchmeans actuated once for each book of said first size conveyed past saiddetector wheel, second control switch means actuated once for each bookof said second size conveyed past said detector wheel, and selectorswitch means for selectively connecting said first or second switchmeans with said detector wheel actuated switch means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,351,231 8/1920Christensen 198-133 X 1,618,591 2/1927 Jacobsen 198--133 X 2,693,59511/1954 Belluche et al 2273 2,999,242 9/ 1961 Young etal 227-3 X EVON C.BLUNK, Primary Examiner. SAMUEL F. COLEMAN, Examiner. R. I. HICKEY,Assistant Examiner.

1. A SIGNATURE HANDLING MECHANISM COMPRISING A SIGNATURE CONVEYOR, A PLURALITY OF SIGNATURE PUSHERS ADAPTED TO BE SUPPORTED ON SAID SIGNATURE CONVEYOR AT A FIRST PREDETERMINED DISTANCE APART FOR CONVEYING SIGNATURES OF A FIRST SIZE OR AT A SECOND PREDETERMINED DISTANCE APART WHICH WHEN MULTIPLIED BY A WHOLE NUMBER OTHER THAN ONE APPROXIMATELY EQUALS SAID FIRST PREDETERMINED DISTANCE FOR CONVEYING SIGNATURES OF A SECOND SIZE, SAID PUSHERS BEING OPERABLE WHEN AT SAID FIRST PREDETERMINED DISTANE APART TO MOVE SIGNATURES ASSEMBLED INTO BOOKS OF A FIRST SIZE THROUGH AN INSPECTION STATION AND OPERABLE WHEN AT SAID SECOND PREDETERMINED DISTANCE APART TO MOVE SIGNATURES ASSEMBLED INTO BOOKS OF A SECOND SIZE THROUGH SAID INSPECTION STATION, A DETECTOR WHEEL LOCATED AT SAID INSPECTION STATION AND ENGAGEABLE WITH BOOKS OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND SIZE CONVEYED BY SAID CONVEYOR AND HAVING A DETECTING PERIPHERAL PORTION LYING ON A CIRCLE HAVING A CIRCUMFERENCE EQUAL TO SAID SECOND PREDETERMINED DISTANCE, DRIVE MEANS FOR SAID SIGNATURE CONVEYOR AND DETECTOR WHEEL FOR DRIVING SAID SIGNATURE CONVEYOR AND DETECTOR WHEEL AT THE SAME SURFACE SPEED INCLUDING MEANS FOR VARYING THE SPEED OF THE SIGNATURE CONVEYOR AND DETECTOR WHEEL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SIZE OF SIGNATURES BEING HANDLED, AND CONTROL MEANS SELECTIVELY RESPONSIVE TO THE SENSING BY THE DETECTOR WHEEL OF A BOOK OF SAID FIRST OR SAID SECOND SIZE BEING OF IMPROPER THICKNESS AND OPERABLE TO EFFECT A MACHINE CONTROL FUNCTION THEREON.
 11. A SIGNATURE HANDLING MECHANISM COMPRISING A SIGNATURE CONVEYOR, A PLURALITY OF PUSHERS, MEANS ON SAID CONVEYOR FOR MOUNTING SAID PUSHERS A FIRST PREDETERMINED DISTANCE APART OR A SECOND PREDETERMINED DISTANCE APART FOR CONVEYING SIGNATURES OF FIRST AND SECOND SIZES TO A CONVEYOR DELIVERY STATION, A SHUTTLE MECHANISM RECIPROCABLE BETWEEN SAID CONVEYOR DELIVERY STATION AND A SHUTTLE DELIVERY STATION FOR MOVING SIGNATURES THEREBETWEEN, THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE CENTER OF SAID CONVEYOR DELIVERY STATION AND THE CENTER OF SAID SHUTTLE DELIVERY STATION BEING NONVARIABLE, THE CENTER OF SAID SIGNATURES AS MEASURED ON A LINE PERPENDICULAR TO THE DIRECTION OF MOVEMENT OF THE SIGNATURES BEING LOCATED AT THE CENTER OF SAID CONVEYOR DELIVERY STATION AND SAID SHUTTLE DELIVERY STATION WHEN LOCATED THEREAT, AND MEANS FOR RECIPROCATING SAI SHUTTLE MECHANISM THROUGH A STROKE INCLUDING MEANS FOR VARYING THE STROKE OF SAID SHUTTLE MECHANISM BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND DIFFERENT STROKE LENGTHS ONLY WITH THE FIRST AND SECOND STROKE LENGTHS WHEN MULTIPLIED BY WHOLE DIFFERENT NUMBERS EQUALLING THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE CENTERS OF THE CONVEYOR DELIVERY AND SHUTTLE DELIVERY STATIONS. 